The Press., 1887-03-03
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, ID. c. Feb. 20,

Washington, ID. c. Feb %, 1887.
 Only five more working days are left for the present congress, for at noon on the fourth of Malch it's day will end. Consid- eriug the great amount of unfinished leg islaiion it is difficult to see how congress can pass certain indispensable bills in the short time remaining to it. It is palpably apparent that something should be done to increase the length of the Amercan congrss sional term, or to curtail the length of the American congressman. His pro- lixi'y has become proverbial. He fills volumes with hls talk while his deeds may be written on a postal card. There is a movement in congress to extend the term of the legislative session, but it Is probable that it will be submerged in talk and that there will be no action taken this session. Much of the time of members of congress is still taken up in attention to the private claims of their constituents A large part of the voting population of the country seems to look upon their representative in congress 8s their special attorney to get them places under government employ. to prosecu their claims for pensions. pa- tents and government contracts, and to supply them with libraries and even with money. There is scarcely a member or senator who is not subjected to requests for services and aims from bis constituents.
 The official receptions are over and the Lenten season mas begun. 1t was observ- ed with considerable rigor during Arthurs administration, when high church Episco- palianism was the court religion. Wash ington society, so far as it is composed of the army, navy and diplomatic classes, is decidedly catholic and observant. How far the Lenten season will affect society under democratic administration remains to be seen. The presidents grandfather was Presbyterian, and the president oc- occasionally attends Presbyterian church in this city, but it is whispered that he would much prefer to go fishing. Altho' the Lenten season has begun, there will be, no end of social festivity under the cloak of charity. This is the season of fairs and bazaars and other entertainments for the benefit of churches and hospitals, and these afford quite as good opportuni- ty for the vanities and follies of the gay world as do receptions and germans.
 Congress will adjourn on the fourth of Malch, but many representatives and sen- ators will remain until June Many of them have homes here, while others ha ve private business or are engaged ill com mittee work
 The national competitive drill, which will continue for q week beginning on the 20th of May, will no doubt b. & splendid military pageant, and will doubtless at- tract many visitors to Washington. Mill tary companies from all parts of the union that have been drilling for this occasion will then compete for prizes aggregating $50, ,000 The infantry, cavalry and artil- lery branches of the service will be repre- sented, and the perfectly level meadow be- tween the white house and the Washing ton monument will be used as parade ground.
 The amendment to change inau uguration day to the 30th of April was referred to the judiciary committee of the house on the 22d of June, which came very near be- ing the longest day of the year. Inas- much as the amendment was neither re- publican, nor democratic, nor northern, nor southern, nor sectional, nor political, but simply cue which would promote the comfort and convenience of every class and condition of American citizen, north and south, east and west, and one which had rc ceived unprecedented approval fir om the public generally, it was the plain duty of the Sadiciary to act and to act prompt ly. The amew9ment had been carefully considered and revised by the senate, it is only half dozen lines in length, and it should have been passed by the house in June, Or most certainly early in Decem- Der. If the people of the United States do not want it their state legislatures will not ratify it; but if the people of the United States do want it they may feel in- dignant if the measure be defeated by the inaction of few listless members of the house of representatives.